In brief
We work with partners across the cultural and creative sector to campaign for a well-funded cultural sector, access to libraries and a lifelong passion for reading.
We work in partnership with the publishing industry to act on sustainability in the book sector
Contents
Cultural eco-system, literacy and libraries
We work with a wide range of partners across the cultural and creative sector that value creativity, curiosity and learning. A well-funded cultural sector, access to libraries and a lifelong passion for reading are the the foundations of a healthy publishing industry, as well as inspiring the next generation of readers, writers and creators.
Research shows that low literacy levels continue to have a significant economic and social impact. As the UK marks the National Year of Reading 2026, there is a timely opportunity to strengthen reading and literacy across society. Recent National Literacy Trust research shows that reading enjoyment among children and young people is in decline:
- Just 1 in 3 (32.7%) children and young people aged 8 to 18 said that they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025. This marks a 36% decrease in reading enjoyment levels since 2005.
- The drop in reading enjoyment over the last year has been especially steep among primary-aged children and boys, particularly boys aged 11 to 16. [linkChildren and young people’s reading in 2025 | National Literacy Trust}
Reading for pleasure delivers benefits far beyond literacy, helping to build empathy, imagination, wellbeing and critical thinking. Initiatives that connect children with books, authors and reading role models can play a vital role in reversing long-term declines in reading engagement. That’s why we work to support authors to present their work in libraries and in-person school visits. Consider presenting our Reading for Pleasure Award if you visit a school doing outstanding work to promote reading.
Whether you are an author or an organiser, visit our Advice section for information on good practice for personal appearances. We ask all organisations that book authors, poets and other contributors for events and appearances to regularly review the fees that they pay. We recommend the CRA’s Freelance Day Rate Guide as a starting point, which shows how daily rates equate with different salaries.
In Scotland we have secured an increase to the Live Literature Rate. This initiative provides funding to organisations to invite an author to participate in events and speaking engagements, paying a fair day rate for their work. The SoA wants to see a similar scheme adopted in all four Nations to ensure more authors receive fair funding for appearances and events.
Alongside literacy, access to a broad cultural education is essential. Creative subjects develop valuable skills that support innovation and contribute to the UK’s world-leading creative industries. By investing in literacy, reading for pleasure and cultural education, the UK can create the conditions for greater creativity, opportunity and economic growth. The SoA sits on the Books and Borrowing Network, as well as the Reading for Pleasure Roundtable convened by Arts Council England.
See our recent submissions:
SoA evidence to the Inquiry into Literacy
Sustainability
Working in partnership with the publishing industry, authors can play a key role in ensuring meaningful, measurable action on sustainability in the book sector.
The industry is talking about the issues and knows it needs to change in order to help limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and protect biodiversity – but change is not happening fast enough.
We believe that will only happen when authors, their representatives and their readers start holding the book industry to account. We can be the industry’s strongest critics but also act as its most vocal advocates as it develops sustainable practices. The Society of Authors site on teh Sustanability
Tree to Me
In April 2023, we launched Tree to Me, a campaign to add authors’ voices to the drive to make publishing more sustainable. By starting a conversation with their publisher, based on ten focused questions, authors can urge their publisher to act now – in the materials it uses and the energy it consumes, in its investments and emissions targets, and more – and to raise awareness among readers as they improve their environmental practices.